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Badly Burned Santa Barbara Teen Suffers Setback

Santa Barbara teen Jacob Keefer suffered a major setback in his recovery at a burn center.

The 14-year-old has been hospitalized since Feb. 28 after being splashed with lighter fluid and set on fire while playing with friends.

He’s endured multiple skin graft surgeries, but was sometimes able to sit up, drink and eat Jello.

But, Jacob was moved back to intensive care and given five blood transfusions on Saturday.

The principal of Santa Barbara Junior High, Lito Garcia, is speaking out for the first time since Keefer’s tragic accident.

“All of Jacob’s teachers and his peers have spoken very highly of him and continue to do so and they are thinking about him every day,” Garcia said.

Garcia talks to Keefer’s mom Kristen regularly to get updates on his condition.

Garcia said he also talks with concerned parents on the phone and in person.

“I have had parents come to me with questions and concerns. As a school community, over the last three years we have provided various opportunities and educational opportunities for our parents related around the Internet and monitoring student activity on the Internet,” Garcia said.

Keefer’s friends are also speaking out.

“He was one of my friends that I was with most of the time and to not have him its so weird him not being here,” said friend Charlie Iverson.

A concert in Keefer’s honor is set to take place at Skater’s Point on Saturday, April 11.

Garcia said the school will help publicize the event.

Keefer’s family and friends created a site where people can donate money to help with his mounting medical expenses.

The funding goal is now at $150,000 because of Keefer’s setback.

To donate click here.

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